ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church, or download it at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Part of The Big God Story Exodus 15:22—17:7 Life in the Desert
r Fun bread, cereal, Just foaine r filled with
Place a jar or a clear plastic cont family can see it. Then read or cookies where everyone in your ’s provision in Exodus 16. through the biblical account of God rite part of this passage, Ask your children to tell you their favopart. Talk with them about rite and then share with them your favo seen food literally rain down how they might have felt if they had ainer of food and tell them from the sky. Then point out the cont us and meets our needs. it’s a reminder of how God cares for
Did You Know?
Your younger child will enjoy taking on new responsibilities at home. As you increase his household chores, remember to provide a good deal of direction until your child masters these tasks.
• According to the Bible, manna had the sweet taste of honey. • The Israelites could grind the manna and pound it into cake.
1.7 God Knows What We Need
Younger Kids
• Jesus, during His earthly ministry, referred to Himself as the “bread of life,” pointing back to the manna God provided in the wilderness. • In the desert, God provided for Moses’ and the Israelites’ physical sustenance. He gave them what they needed to live on earth. However, Jesus provides us with something much greater: life eternal.
Remember Verse Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5–6
Older Kids Your older child is capable of doing most household chores without assistance. Allowing her the flexibility to complete tasks on her own will foster independence as she approaches her teen years.
Teachable Moments After reading Exodus 16, discuss the following together: • How did God give His people the food they needed? • What are some ways you’ve seen God take care of our family? • How can we thank God for providing for our needs?
Blessing
For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you rest in the knowledge that God knows what you need and will take care of you. © 2014 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.